Viking Thoughts for the Day: Well, I guess there’s going to be an open competition for the quarterback position next season. That’s a good thing, but I hoped it isn’t rigged in the Harlem Globetrotters vs. the Washington Generals sort of way. Of course, if Tarvaris Jackson had played football like the Globetrotters play basketball, maybe there wouldn’t be a need for an open competition…Not sure who the quarterback competition will be, but if I had to guess it will be someone that currently isn’t on anyone’s radar…I have mixed emotions about Leslie Frazier being in the running for a head coaching vacancy. As a fan of the game, I think he deserves a chance to be a head coach. His body of work over the years shows that he knows the defensive side of the football, and indicates he can make a successful transition from top assistant to numero uno honcho. As a fan of the Vikings, I’d like a defensive coordinator to stick around longer than a teenage baby daddy, because defensive coordinators leave Minnesota with more regularity than a drunk leaves a Wisconsin bar. And is it just me, but do the Vikings have more than their fair share of assistant coaches that leave Minnesota and the success of the remaining head coach elsewhere? Brian Billick, Mike Tomlin, Tony Dungy…Speaking of Tony Dungy, he announced his retirement today, and he got his career started in Minnesota, so I think it’s more than appropriate I spend a minute or two on this…Many of you remember him as an up and coming defensive coordinator that turned the Vikings defense of the early 1990’s into a fearsome unit, but how many of you remember him as the starting quarterback at the University of Minnesota in the 1970’s, or as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers ‘Steel Curtain’ defense? There’s not a lot of guys better than Tony Dungy, and he proved it could be done with a calm voice and a nudge as opposed to yelling and a swift kick in the ass. He will be missed, but you get the feeling Dungy will make a far greater impact in whatever he does next than what he did in football…If I had to lay odds on Gus Frerotte coming back to the Vikings, I’m giving it about as much chance of Kevin James pushing back from the buffet table...
Ohio State Thought for the Day: Goodbye, Beanie, and good luck in the NFL. I wish you had been healthier while you were in Columbus, but thanks for pouring the 55 gallon drum of whoop ass on Michigan while you were here…I don’t think any other Buckeye has a decent chance of being a first day draft pick if they leave early, so I hope no one does. Jim Cordle is okay, but will help himself more by staying. The wildcard has to be Ray Small, but I don’t think he’ll go. He has a good chance to start next year, and if he leaves now he could have that dreaded “attitude problem” tag attached to his name. You could argue that Brian Hartline should leave early because he’s going to graduate in May, but I think that’s the perfect reason to stay. No school to worry about, degree in hand, still on scholarship AND playing at Ohio State? I mean, it’s not like the guy is passing up NFL millions.
Tim Tebow Thought for the Day: This is my usual spot for my Big 10 thought of the day, but as you know, the Big 10 is part of college football, and Tim Tebow is college football right now, so by federal law, I must now rename this the Tim Tebow section. Look, I have nothing against the guy. I want to hate him, and I want to hate Florida, but I don’t. You would think it would be easy to because I witnessed Florida’s dismantling of Ohio State live and in person, but it’s not. You see, all the Florida people I ran across after the game were the most gracios, humble, and complimentary winners I have ever been around. So as much as I want to hate Tebow and Florida, I don’t. I can’t stand the fuckin’ SEC, but that’s something else entirely. So there. And if St Tim of Gainseville played for OSU and got this much attention, I’d be eating that shit up. I’d even offer to have his child out of wedlock. But that’ll never happen because I don’t look like this, he doesn’t play for OSU, and I’m not gay. So really, can we stop with all the ‘Tebow is Jesus” bullshit? Besides, I thought Barack Obama was Jesus. I mean, Tebow just plays football and has questionable mechanics to make it at the next level, but Obama’s gonna pay all my bills. But back to Tebow. He’s good, I get it.
St Louis Cardinals Thought for the Day: I have none. They’ve kind of pissed me off with their inactivity. Do something! Anything! Get a starter, find another bat, just stay away from low hanging fruit!
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Comparing Mike Tice to Brad Childress
When Mike Tice took over for Denny Green in late 2001, the Minnesota Vikings were a team in turmoil, but only one year removed from the NFC Championship. Granted, it was the 41-doughnut game, but still, it was the NFC Championship. Korey Stringer had tragically died during training camp, Denny Green had lost the locker room with preferential treatment of certain players, some of Denny’s assistant coaches only had two qualifications for employment-- they kissed Denny’s ass and had plenty of chapstick-- because they didn’t know beans about football, and the defense that had been kept together with duct tape and bailing wire finally imploded. Daunte Culpepper was out for the year with a knee injury, a former wide receiver was a starting cornerback, and Vikings fans were suffering through the Spergeon Wynn era, which was about as painful to watch as Cloris Leachman in one of her dancing outfits. And who are you kidding? You’d hit it.
When Brad Childress took over for Mike Tice approximately eleven seconds after the 2005 season ended, the Vikings were a team that had been the butt of every joke in the NFL for most of the season. The Love Boat had been all over the news, as had revelations about Tice scalping Super Bowl tickets. Daunte Culpepper left his knee and career on the field in Carolina, right next to Fred Smoot’s charred remains. But through it all, the Vikings came off the canvas to finish 9-7, and by almost every measuring stick Mike Tice left the franchise in better shape than when he inherited it. Oh sure, they underachieved, but there was never a dull minute with Ringmaster Mike and those Wild and Crazy Vikings. Tice’s career was as colorful as Childress’ has been bland, but the results, in many ways, are strikingly similar, with Childress having a distinct advantage in one area.
After four years and one game, Tice went 32-33, with a 1-1 post season record.
After three years, Childress has gone 24-24, with a 0-1 post season record.
Tice’s draft record is spotty at best, with 2005 the beginning of the end. The Vikings had two first round picks and whiffed horribly on both of them. I blame that draft disaster on me, because I attended the Vikings draft party live and in person, much like I blame the 2006 Ohio State BCS Championship on me as well. Nothing like seeing old Red McCombs come out and yell “Purple Pride!”, only to be almost booed and fuck you’d off the stage. I was 38 at the time and pissed my pants I was laughing so hard. As usual, I digress. Tice did have some pretty good picks, though, from Brian Williams (who became a pretty good cover corner but was let go in favor of Fred “I’m Steve Smith’s Bitch” Smoot), Bryant McKinnie, Nate “Poison Pill Payback” Burleson, EJ Henderson, and Kevin Williams. But there were a lot more misses than hits, so his draft record can only be described as minimally acceptable to borderline failure, especially considering that 2005 draft. With two first round picks, the Vikings currently have zero players left from that draft still on the roster, and that is unacceptable.
But Tice was a master recruiter, and he got some pretty good talent to sign with the Vikings through free agency. Corey Chavous, Darren Sharper, Antoine Winfield, Pat Williams, and the aforementioned Smoot are his big free agency prizes. Now I admit Smoot was a bust in Minnesota, but the pick was lauded at the time, by no less than the New York Times.
Childress has had his fair share of free agent success as well. He’s signed Chester Taylor, Bernard Berrian, Madieu Williams, Ben Leber, and Steve Hutchinso, all who have had a significant impact on the success of the Vikings
Where Childress has seemed to far exceed Tice is in his ability to draft. 2006 was like winning the lottery for Childress, as five of the seven draft picks have become starters. Chad Greenway, Cedric Griffin, Ryan Cook, and Ray Edwards stand out in that group, and if Tarvaris Jackson pans out, it will be one of the all-time great draft classes in team history. 2007 was pretty good as well, with Adrian Peterson headlining a class that also includes key contributors Marcus McCauley and Brian Robison. The players selected in 2008 don’t really stand out, unless you consider John David “Gino Torretta” Booty a steal. But you must factor in the trade that brought Jared Allen to the Vikings for a 2008 first and third round pick…a deal that Red McCombs would have never done.
Speaking of ownership, when comparing Tice to Childress, that is the one variable that is undeniable, and skews the results towards Tice. While Tice was coach, Red McCombs ran the Vikings much like Ebeneezer Scrooge ran his business, only without the Christmas epiphany. His epiphany was to trade Randy Moss.
What a fucker. A school of business at...Texas. The same Texas that beat Ohio State.
Somewhere, God is pissing his pants he's laughing at me so hard.
Brad Childress has had the luxury of Zygi Wilf, who throws money around like Pacman Jones in a strip club, only in a classy, let’s not shoot people or ‘make it rain’ sort of way.
When Childress has asked for something, either in terms of people, facilities, or coaches, he has received it.
Tice had to pay for repairing the air conditioning at the teams Winter Park headquarters out of hide. No wonder he scalped Super Bowl tickets.
I guess the point of this is that Tice wasn’t nearly as bad as he is remembered, and Childress isn’t as incompetent as he is perceived to be. Unless, of course, he is calling a goddamn screen pass on third and 9. Then he’s a dope.
Both had their shortcomings, and both have qualities that I tend to like. Tice was a guy I would have loved to have played with or played for, and his Monday pressers became must-see TV. And when you factor in the fact he had a penny pinching owner that was cheap on everything, from facilities to coaching staff budget, I think Tice deserves another chance at a head coaching job somewhere that will give him a level playing field. Childress gives off more of the parent vibe, and like my Dad, he pisses me off with some of the decisions he makes, and I don’t understand them at the time.
My hope is that 20 years from now, I’ll realize he was right. Especially if there’s a Super Bowl trophy in the glass case.
When Brad Childress took over for Mike Tice approximately eleven seconds after the 2005 season ended, the Vikings were a team that had been the butt of every joke in the NFL for most of the season. The Love Boat had been all over the news, as had revelations about Tice scalping Super Bowl tickets. Daunte Culpepper left his knee and career on the field in Carolina, right next to Fred Smoot’s charred remains. But through it all, the Vikings came off the canvas to finish 9-7, and by almost every measuring stick Mike Tice left the franchise in better shape than when he inherited it. Oh sure, they underachieved, but there was never a dull minute with Ringmaster Mike and those Wild and Crazy Vikings. Tice’s career was as colorful as Childress’ has been bland, but the results, in many ways, are strikingly similar, with Childress having a distinct advantage in one area.
After four years and one game, Tice went 32-33, with a 1-1 post season record.
After three years, Childress has gone 24-24, with a 0-1 post season record.
Tice’s draft record is spotty at best, with 2005 the beginning of the end. The Vikings had two first round picks and whiffed horribly on both of them. I blame that draft disaster on me, because I attended the Vikings draft party live and in person, much like I blame the 2006 Ohio State BCS Championship on me as well. Nothing like seeing old Red McCombs come out and yell “Purple Pride!”, only to be almost booed and fuck you’d off the stage. I was 38 at the time and pissed my pants I was laughing so hard. As usual, I digress. Tice did have some pretty good picks, though, from Brian Williams (who became a pretty good cover corner but was let go in favor of Fred “I’m Steve Smith’s Bitch” Smoot), Bryant McKinnie, Nate “Poison Pill Payback” Burleson, EJ Henderson, and Kevin Williams. But there were a lot more misses than hits, so his draft record can only be described as minimally acceptable to borderline failure, especially considering that 2005 draft. With two first round picks, the Vikings currently have zero players left from that draft still on the roster, and that is unacceptable.
But Tice was a master recruiter, and he got some pretty good talent to sign with the Vikings through free agency. Corey Chavous, Darren Sharper, Antoine Winfield, Pat Williams, and the aforementioned Smoot are his big free agency prizes. Now I admit Smoot was a bust in Minnesota, but the pick was lauded at the time, by no less than the New York Times.
Childress has had his fair share of free agent success as well. He’s signed Chester Taylor, Bernard Berrian, Madieu Williams, Ben Leber, and Steve Hutchinso, all who have had a significant impact on the success of the Vikings
Where Childress has seemed to far exceed Tice is in his ability to draft. 2006 was like winning the lottery for Childress, as five of the seven draft picks have become starters. Chad Greenway, Cedric Griffin, Ryan Cook, and Ray Edwards stand out in that group, and if Tarvaris Jackson pans out, it will be one of the all-time great draft classes in team history. 2007 was pretty good as well, with Adrian Peterson headlining a class that also includes key contributors Marcus McCauley and Brian Robison. The players selected in 2008 don’t really stand out, unless you consider John David “Gino Torretta” Booty a steal. But you must factor in the trade that brought Jared Allen to the Vikings for a 2008 first and third round pick…a deal that Red McCombs would have never done.
Speaking of ownership, when comparing Tice to Childress, that is the one variable that is undeniable, and skews the results towards Tice. While Tice was coach, Red McCombs ran the Vikings much like Ebeneezer Scrooge ran his business, only without the Christmas epiphany. His epiphany was to trade Randy Moss.
What a fucker. A school of business at...Texas. The same Texas that beat Ohio State.
Somewhere, God is pissing his pants he's laughing at me so hard.
Brad Childress has had the luxury of Zygi Wilf, who throws money around like Pacman Jones in a strip club, only in a classy, let’s not shoot people or ‘make it rain’ sort of way.
When Childress has asked for something, either in terms of people, facilities, or coaches, he has received it.
Tice had to pay for repairing the air conditioning at the teams Winter Park headquarters out of hide. No wonder he scalped Super Bowl tickets.
I guess the point of this is that Tice wasn’t nearly as bad as he is remembered, and Childress isn’t as incompetent as he is perceived to be. Unless, of course, he is calling a goddamn screen pass on third and 9. Then he’s a dope.
Both had their shortcomings, and both have qualities that I tend to like. Tice was a guy I would have loved to have played with or played for, and his Monday pressers became must-see TV. And when you factor in the fact he had a penny pinching owner that was cheap on everything, from facilities to coaching staff budget, I think Tice deserves another chance at a head coaching job somewhere that will give him a level playing field. Childress gives off more of the parent vibe, and like my Dad, he pisses me off with some of the decisions he makes, and I don’t understand them at the time.
My hope is that 20 years from now, I’ll realize he was right. Especially if there’s a Super Bowl trophy in the glass case.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
So, it begins
Well, first of all, hi. Thanks for coming to my little part of the Internets. Let's get right to it.
Everybody can just shut the hell up about Brad Childress. I'm not a fan of the run left, run left, screen pass, punt offense, either, but he has opened it up this year, and the Vikings are 10-6. And division champions. And hosting a first round playoff game.
For those of you that don't like Tarvaris Jackson, you are also cordially invited to close your grocery hole. He's come from behind twice to win the Vikings absolutely needed to win late in the season, played well in the Atlanta loss, and dominated, on the road, against a division winning playoff team. I mean really, what more do you want?
As this team enters "the tournament" as everyone likes to call it now, I like their chances. They do two things fundamentally well that is essential come playoff time--they run the ball well, and they stop the run exceedingly well...as long as Pat Williams returns, which as of this posting, looks probable. When breaking them down against Philadelphia, the only significant advantage the Eagles have is at the quarterback position. Although that is the most important position on the field, the Vikings have a couple of things going for them they will help neutralize that advantage. Most importantly, they are at home, and as long as Adrian Peterson can hold on to the ball, they will be able to run, taking pressure off of Jackson. The Vikings have been much better this season at blitz pick up, and if the Vikings can give Jackson an extra second, or if Jackson can step up and buy himself some more time, there should be yardage available in huge chunks. If they can control the clock and the tempo with their ground game, Jackson will be a lot more comfortable. When he's at a good comfort level, he doesn't press, and he doesn't make mistakes. If he doesn't make mistakes, the Vikings win.
I'll be back tomorrow with a position by position comparison, with a prediction on the game's outcome. Later on in the week, I'll look at how the Buckeyes will win the Fiesta Bowl (you, in the back of the room, quit your snickering or you'll go to the principal's office), and review the Big 10 bowl season.
I also want your input. If there's something you want me to write about, let me know. Something you think I shouldn't be wasting my time on, let me know that. But keep in mind, I have final say. I mean, it is my blog, for Christ's sake.
Everybody can just shut the hell up about Brad Childress. I'm not a fan of the run left, run left, screen pass, punt offense, either, but he has opened it up this year, and the Vikings are 10-6. And division champions. And hosting a first round playoff game.
For those of you that don't like Tarvaris Jackson, you are also cordially invited to close your grocery hole. He's come from behind twice to win the Vikings absolutely needed to win late in the season, played well in the Atlanta loss, and dominated, on the road, against a division winning playoff team. I mean really, what more do you want?
As this team enters "the tournament" as everyone likes to call it now, I like their chances. They do two things fundamentally well that is essential come playoff time--they run the ball well, and they stop the run exceedingly well...as long as Pat Williams returns, which as of this posting, looks probable. When breaking them down against Philadelphia, the only significant advantage the Eagles have is at the quarterback position. Although that is the most important position on the field, the Vikings have a couple of things going for them they will help neutralize that advantage. Most importantly, they are at home, and as long as Adrian Peterson can hold on to the ball, they will be able to run, taking pressure off of Jackson. The Vikings have been much better this season at blitz pick up, and if the Vikings can give Jackson an extra second, or if Jackson can step up and buy himself some more time, there should be yardage available in huge chunks. If they can control the clock and the tempo with their ground game, Jackson will be a lot more comfortable. When he's at a good comfort level, he doesn't press, and he doesn't make mistakes. If he doesn't make mistakes, the Vikings win.
I'll be back tomorrow with a position by position comparison, with a prediction on the game's outcome. Later on in the week, I'll look at how the Buckeyes will win the Fiesta Bowl (you, in the back of the room, quit your snickering or you'll go to the principal's office), and review the Big 10 bowl season.
I also want your input. If there's something you want me to write about, let me know. Something you think I shouldn't be wasting my time on, let me know that. But keep in mind, I have final say. I mean, it is my blog, for Christ's sake.
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